One of the country's leading fashion institutes has joined forces with key industry figures to reflect on the recent Bangladesh tragedy and push for more action in Australia.
The disastrous building collapse in Bangladesh will be the focus of a screening and panel discussion at RMIT University to be held on Wednesday, 26 June titled 'Revenge of History: Reflections on a Bangladesh Tragedy'.
The collapse of the Rana Plaza factory, which left more than 1000 garments workers dead and many more seriously injured, has prompted wide-ranging debate on unethical practices in the global clothing manufacturing industry recently.
As recently reported on ragtrader.com.au, the tragedy has also seen a number of fashion retail giants and brands sign on to a global Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, with Kmart Australia the latest local signatory.
RMIT University aims to evolve the debate on the issue further in Australia through the event this month, which will feature a screening of highlights from a forum held by RMIT in May, which attracted more than 100 academics, students, union members and industry representatives.
Following the screening, key industry figures including Sarah Rennie (Corporate Accountability Advisor, Oxfam Australia) and Michelle O’Neil (National Secretary, Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia) will respond to the issues raised.
A video interview with Bek McClellan, an “ordinary Australian mum” who started an online petition to Woolworths and Big W related to the Bangladesh tragedy, will also be screened at the event.
Members of the panel who spoke at the May forum included:
- Dr Verena Schmidt (International Labour Organisation)
- Jenny Kruschel (Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia)
- Associate Professor Karen Webster (RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles)
- Professor George Cairns (RMIT School of Management)
Participants at the forum reflected on the disaster and debated the need for Australian consumers to take action against unethical practices in the garments manufacturing industry to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
For more information on this event, or to register, click here.